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Anyone switch from a motor home to a fifth wheel?

MookieKat
Explorer
Explorer
If you have, would love to know the reasons why!
37 REPLIES 37

Colo_Native
Explorer
Explorer
I did it about 1 year ago reasons why:
1 chassis to maintain
2 less tires
if one has problems still have the other

the cons IMHO
FW a little harder to set up than MH
Sometimes easier to hook up toad than a FW
FW has no generator for using microwave if needed
2015 Winnebago Forza 34T
pushed by a 2011 Fusion Hybrid or 2020 Escape Hybrid
Retired DFD

John_Joey
Explorer
Explorer
Yes, and here's my reasons:
  • Easier to drive
  • Easier to get repairs on the truck
  • Easier to sell one half and upgrade
  • More living space for size
  • Cheaper to maintain
  • Less to go wrong IMO
Thereโ€™s no fool, like an old fool.

Coach-man
Explorer
Explorer
We also have had two Class A's and a Class C before going with the 5th wheel. For us there were a couple of things, in both the class A & C, the front 4 of 5 feet were dedicated just to driving, so a 30 foot "C" is really only 26 feet of usable RV space. Second, if you just pull in, cap a beer & spend the night before moving on your ok in a motor home. But if you actually want to stay a while and explore the souronding area you need a toad, (towed vehicle). With insurance and maintenance you are adding a big expense, as stated before a lot of things to go wrong! I maintain that a "C" or "A" motor home and a toad it is easier to set up a fiver than it is to set up a motor home, and that is with a vehicle that can be towed 4 down. If you add in a dolly to the equation you start really having "fun" setting up and/or taking down! A really nice TV can be equipped almost as good as any luxury car, add 4 wheel drive, and you can take it off road while "exploring". Final "nail in the coffin" a nice well equipped Class A will cost you 2 or 3 times what a similar 5th wheel would cost!

rockhillmanor
Explorer
Explorer
Went from FW to a MH. Which gives the same diff's only in reverse!

For me it was the ability to just pull into a CG, put it in park and open a cold one.

THAT doesn't happen with a FW or TT. You are out there setting up forever and then reversing the whole process when it's time to leave.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Nutinelse2do
Explorer
Explorer
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Where is 'janegowest'

:B
Living Our Dream
MTHRSHP - 2006 KSDP 3912
Cummins 350ISL...Spartan Chassis
ESC POD - 2019 Ford Ranger XLT FX4
Zippy Scoot- 2018 Honda PCX 150 on an Overbilt Lift
Shredder at the Rainbow Bridge - You Will Always Be With Us

JTrac
Explorer
Explorer
I think it's pretty ingenious to reverse the question for the motorhome crowd. You get answers from both sides that way. Not sure your motive though, unless you are debating between the two. That said, you will find numerous threads on this same subject that include various opinions. You will hear how much freedom a motorhome provides going down the road, unless you are driving, of course, and how a fifth wheel may have more useable space and a better bang for the buck.

We have had 5 fifth wheels and 2 motorhomes, one gas and one dp, in the past 45 years. We had the gas motorhome 2 years, couldn't get it to drive straight no matter how much I flogged it with my wallet. Then had the dp for 7 years and it finally wore me down with the expense of ownership, especially in the maintenance and repair department. Too many moving parts to go wrong. Our current rig has been a joy comparatively with basically nothing in the way of repairs in 4 full seasons of 3 to 4 month use each season, plus a bunch of miles. I am in my comfort zone with a fifth wheel and never was with the motorhomes.

I personally don't care what someone else wants or owns because each of us have a reason for getting what we did, and you know what, they are all valid to that person. Here is the bottom line: Once you get there they are all just a house on wheels.
JimT
2020 Jayco Pinnacle 32RLTS, 2020 Ford F350, Platinum, 6.7 diesel, 4X4, CCLB, SRW, 12,400 GVWR

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
Where is 'janegowest'
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

stew47
Explorer
Explorer
We just went from a Winnebago class a to crossroads 5er. Some reasons in no particular order
I didn't like towing a car
Wanted a room for kids
Having a truck again is handy

Miss hydraulic jacks
Kids enjoyed watching tv while sitting on couch going down road.
These are just random thoughts. Really biggest reason is the cruiser that we bought is handed down our favorite layout. Truck is the less important part really.

What's your thoughts?